To achieve a Band 9 in the IELTS Speaking test, your responses should sound natural, conversational, and well-structured. Incorporating idiomatic expressions, advanced vocabulary, and complex sentence structures is crucial to demonstrating fluency and coherence. Below are Band 9 sample answers that follow IELTS standards.
Part 1 (Interview) – Band 9 Sample Answers
In this part of the test, you’ll be asked some basic questions about yourself, your interests, and your daily life. The questions are generally straightforward and designed to help you feel comfortable. This section is fairly informal, so your answers should be natural and conversational. While you don’t need to give lengthy responses, it’s important to expand your answers slightly to show your vocabulary and fluency. Providing relevant details or examples can help you achieve a higher score.
Here are some sample Band 9 answers:
1. Can you tell me a little about yourself?
Sure! My name’s Daniel, and I’m currently living in Toronto. I’m pursuing a degree in Computer Science at the University of Toronto, and I also work part-time as a web developer. In my free time, I’m a bit of a shutterbug — I absolutely love photography, and I often spend my weekends exploring different parts of the city, capturing street art and urban life.
2. What do you do for work or study?
I’m a full-time student majoring in Computer Science. It’s quite demanding, but I genuinely enjoy the challenge — there’s always something new to learn. On the side, I work as a freelance web developer, which not only helps me sharpen my technical skills but also gives me a bit of pocket money. Balancing both can be hectic at times, but I’ve learned to manage my time wisely.
3. What is your hometown famous for?
I’m from Toronto, which is well-known for its multicultural vibe. It’s like a melting pot of cultures, so you can find cuisine from virtually every corner of the globe. The CN Tower is a huge tourist magnet, but locals often rave about Kensington Market and Queen Street West, which are bursting with life, street art, and unique shops.
4. Did you take history classes in school?
Yes, I did. History was actually one of those subjects that I didn’t fully appreciate at the time, but looking back, I realize how valuable it was. I remember learning about World War II, and it really opened my eyes to how deeply those events still shape the world we live in today.
5. Do you think learning history is important? Why or why not?
Absolutely. I think understanding history gives us valuable insights into human behaviour, politics, and social change. As they say, history repeats itself, so learning from past mistakes can help us make wiser decisions in the future. Plus, it deepens our understanding of different cultures, which is essential in today’s globalized world.
6. Can history be helpful in day-to-day life? Why or why not?
For sure! History often teaches us critical thinking and problem-solving skills. For instance, understanding past economic crises can help individuals make smarter financial decisions. On a personal level, knowing family history can even help people connect with their roots and traditions. So yes, history isn’t just about memorizing dates — it’s surprisingly practical.
7. What period of history interests you the most?
I’d say the early 20th century fascinates me the most, particularly the period surrounding World War I and II. It was a time of immense change — politically, socially, and technologically. The resilience people showed back then is incredibly inspiring, and there’s just so much to unpack from that era.
Part 2 (Cue Card) – Band 9 Sample Answer
In this part of the test, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic and a few prompts to guide your response. You’ll have one minute to prepare and up to two minutes to speak. This section is your chance to showcase your fluency, vocabulary, and ability to organize your thoughts clearly.
It’s important to develop your ideas fully, adding relevant details, personal experiences, and emotions to make your response engaging and natural. Using a mix of complex sentences, idiomatic expressions, and cohesive language can help you achieve a Band 9 score.
Here’s a sample Band 9 answer:
Describe a free thing you received.
One memorable free item I received was a set of wireless earbuds.
I got them last year when I upgraded my phone contract. The company was running a promotion where they included a pair of high-quality earbuds with certain plans. At first, I didn’t think much of it, assuming they’d be some cheap knockoff. But to my surprise, they turned out to be top-notch!
I remember feeling over the moon because I’d been planning to buy wireless earbuds anyway. It was like hitting two birds with one stone — I upgraded my phone and scored an amazing freebie in the process.
Since then, I’ve used those earbuds almost daily — whether I’m commuting, working out, or just unwinding with a podcast. They’ve been incredibly handy, and honestly, I can’t imagine life without them now. What stood out most was that I didn’t expect to get something so useful — it felt like a real win.
Part 3 (Discussion) – Band 9 Sample Answers
In this part of the test, the examiner will ask you deeper, more abstract questions related to the topic from Part 2. This section is generally more formal and requires you to express opinions, provide explanations, and support your ideas with examples.
To achieve a Band 9, you should demonstrate a wide range of vocabulary, use complex sentence structures, and connect your ideas logically. Try to provide detailed answers, offering both sides of an argument when appropriate. Including idiomatic language, natural pauses, and cohesive devices will also help you sound more fluent and natural.
Here are some sample Band 9 answers:
1. How often do people receive free things?
I’d say it happens quite frequently, especially nowadays when businesses are constantly trying to grab people’s attention. Whether it’s free samples at grocery stores, promotional items at events, or digital freebies like trial subscriptions — free stuff seems to be everywhere. That said, the quality can be hit or miss.
2. Do people appreciate free things as much as those they pay for? Why or why not?
It really depends. While people love freebies, they often take them for granted. I think when you pay for something, you naturally value it more because you’ve invested your hard-earned money. That said, if a free item turns out to be genuinely useful, people do appreciate it. For example, I once got a free reusable water bottle at a marathon, and I still use it daily — it’s practically part of my routine now.
3. What are some common free things that people receive?
There’s quite a range. Pens, tote bags, and keychains are pretty standard at events. In the digital world, companies often give out free trials, e-books, or software to promote their services. Personally, I think digital freebies are becoming more popular since they’re easier to distribute and often quite valuable.
4. Do you think companies should give out free products? Why or why not?
Yes, I believe it’s a smart marketing strategy. Offering free samples or trial versions allows customers to test a product without risk, which often leads to repeat purchases. For instance, many skincare brands offer small sachets, and if the product works well, people are more likely to invest in the full-sized version. It’s a win-win situation.
5. How do giveaways and free offers influence consumer behaviour?
They’re incredibly powerful. People are hardwired to love free stuff, and that excitement can drive impulsive decisions. I’ve seen people queue for hours just to get a free coffee or T-shirt! Brands use this tactic to create buzz and get people talking — and quite often, it works like a charm.
6. Are there any disadvantages to receiving free things?
Yes, there can be. Sometimes people accumulate heaps of freebies that they don’t actually need, which leads to clutter. Plus, some companies use freebies to lure people into spending more than they originally intended. For example, ‘Buy One Get One Free’ deals can tempt shoppers to purchase items they wouldn’t have considered otherwise. So while freebies are great, they can sometimes be a double-edged sword.
Conclusion
To achieve a Band 9 in IELTS Speaking, it’s important to demonstrate natural fluency, use a range of vocabulary, and incorporate idiomatic expressions appropriately. Complex sentence structures, well-developed ideas, and relevant examples will significantly boost your score. Remember, sounding relaxed and conversational — as though you’re chatting with a friend — is key to making your responses sound authentic and impressive.
